Dear Daughter,

Someday, you might not get asked to Prom.
Go anyway.
We'll go buy a pretty dress and you can dance the night away surrounded by all of the people that wish their date would disappear too.
The best part is that you and I can go and eat ice cream afterwards and not be embarrassed when we've eaten so much that you have to unzip your dress.

Someday, you might not make the high school dance team.
It's ok.  I didn't make it either.
Just promise me that you won't stop dancing.
Dance wherever and whenever you want.
I'll even dance in the aisle of the grocery store with you, if you want.
Just keep dancing.

Do me a favor and don't wait around for others to let you into their clique.
Be the letter-inner.
Remember that you make friends by being a friend.
Being popular means nothing.
Being kind means everything.
Don't ever confuse the two.

Don't follow the trends, set the trends.
Remember that those that carry themselves with confidence are usually the trend-setters.
Be proud of who you are.
Don't apologize for it...ever.

Be nerdy.
Remember that your Nana prayed every night that her children would be nerdy.
She says that nerdy people are the most sure of themselves and happy with who they are.
Nana speaks the truth.

Read books.
Google everything.
Live in wonder.
Be friends with the teachers.
Be proud of the good grades that you earn.
Remember that every person in the world knows something that you don't.
Find opportunities to learn from everyone you meet.
They've got a lot to offer you.

Don't be afraid of hard work.
Big dreams require big work.
Don't wait around for someone else to make your dreams come true.
You've got this.
Don't be afraid of failure.
Failure is a sign that you are alive.
If we never experienced failure, success wouldn't be sweet.

Don't be a follower.
Be a leader.

Make it your goal to bring happiness to the world every day.
There are people crying in silent desperation all around us.
Let's find them and help them be happy.

The most important thing for you to know is that your parents are your biggest fans.
We spend so much of our day loving on you and kissing you that I'm not sure we'll ever be able to break that habit.
Sorry about that.
We will try to contain ourselves at some point.
That point is not anywhere in the near future.

If you ever wonder if I love you, come back and read this.
I love you so much that it makes my insides feel like exploding.
I can't describe this kind of love.
You'll understand it when you have a daughter of your own.
Until then, just trust me.

There will be disappointment and heartache during this thing called life.
That just means you are alive.

Love,
Mom